Indigenous Speaker Series
Engaging, learning, and listening: A celebration of Indigenous knowledge and culture
Mount Allison University is proud to present a new Indigenous Speaker Series, featuring Indigenous community members who will share their knowledge, traditions, and insights. The Indigenous Speaker Series is funded by the Marjorie Young Bell Distinguished Speaker Endowment Fund and Future Wabanaki.
Elder George Paul
Journey to the Honour Song
Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 6:30 p.m.
Windsor Grand
Biography
Elder George Paul was born on the Red Bank Indian Reservation along the Miramichi River in New Brunswick. For the past 30 years, Paul has been involved with the Aboriginal Traditional Movement in reviving Mi’kmaq songs, chants and ceremonies. Paul is known throughout the region for his focus on Aboriginal studies. He has been appointed on several occasions to be a voice for his people on several Aboriginal issues. Paul has collaborated with many schools, universities and government agencies in the development of Mi’kmaq music, language, art and dance.
Tracy Anne Cloud
Treaty Education
Wednesday, Oct. 22 | 6:30 p.m.
Crabtree M14
Biography
Tracy Anne Cloud is a proud member of Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation and has been the Director of Trilateral Negotiations for Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. (MTI), since 2016.
Over the past 25 years Tracy has developed a diverse set of professional skills resulting from her work experience within the Atlantic Indigenous communities, particularly in Indigenous Rights and Treaty Implementation. Cloud’s eclectic professional experience includes working at Indigenous Services Canada, in the Lands & Trust Directorate; at the National Centre for First Nation Governance, as a Policy & Implementation Officer; and from 2012-2016 she served her community, holding public office as Metepenagiag Mi’gmaq Nation Band Councillor.
Much of Cloud's work has focused on facilitating dialogues on aspects of self-determination, governance, leadership, nation rebuilding and rights implementation. She continues to advocate for Indigenous Rights, the revitalization of Mi’gmaq laws, reconciliation, and reclamation within Mi’gma’gi.
Michelle Peters
Thinking L’nu; How Authenticity, Connection and Wholistic Practice will Help You Thrive (and Survive) your Western Educational Experience
Monday, Nov. 3 | 6:30 p.m.
Windsor Grand
Biography
Michelle Peters is a Mi’kmaw woman from Piktukewaq in the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq people. She is a registered social worker, educator, and clinical specialist with over 13 years of experience providing clinical services and crisis support across Mi’kma’ki, including in volunteer, not-for-profit, provincial, federal, and private practice settings. Grounded in a spiritual worldview and a traditional way of life, Michelle specializes in supporting Indigenous clients to achieve health and well-being, helping them identify and work toward their counselling goals. In addition to her clinical work, she teaches academically and regularly facilitates customized workshops and consultation services throughout Mi’kma’ki.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — Sept. 30
A National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was officially recognized for the first time in 2021 on Sept. 30. This day, also recognized as Orange Shirt Day, seeks to honour the survivors and children who did not make it home from Canada’s Residential School System and increase awareness around this part of our country’s history, as we continue on the path towards reconciliation.
Mount Allison University takes the commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and the Calls to Action seriously and encourages everyone in the community to take time to learn, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations.
For additional resources to learn about Canada’s Residential School System and continue on the path towards reconciliation, visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
2025 Events
Wednesday, Sept. 24
Reconciliation: Kitchen Table Exercise for Faculty and Staff
11 a.m. | Mawita’mkw Room 130 (WMSC) – RSVP
A Kitchen Table Dialogue creates space for constructive conversations on reconciliation in the comfort of a community space. This type of session allows Indigenous peoples and all Canadians to gather and participate in the dialogue on reconciliation.
Saturday, Sept. 27
Youth Mawiomi (Gathering with Dance)
12 p.m. | Dorchestor Consolidated School
Everyone Welcome
The Hello Crows
7:30 p.m. | Dieppe Arts and Culture Centre
Emerging from the rich cultural landscape of their Wabanaki homeland, New Brunswick, The Hello Crows are a powerful Indigenous collective, whose songs and stories are woven with the threads of personal experiences, resilience, and a deep connection to their communities and culture.
Full details
Monday, Sept. 29
Every Child Matters Flag Raising Ceremony
12 p.m. | Please join us outside the Owens Art Gallery as we raise the Every Child Matters flag on campus.
Indigenous Market (Grand–Bouctouche)
11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Around the walking track, J.K. Irving Centre Arena
This event is open to everyone and is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate, learn, and support Indigenous cultures.
Tuesday, Sept. 30
University Closed for a Day of Reflection
This year, on Tuesday, Sept. 30, the University will be closed for a day of reflection.
Wednesday, Oct. 1
Reconciliation: Kitchen Table Exercise for Students
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.| Mawita’mkw Room 130 (WMSC) – RSVP
A Kitchen Table Dialogue creates space for constructive conversations on reconciliation in the comfort of a community space. This type of session allows Indigenous peoples and all Canadians to gather and participate in the dialogue on reconciliation.
Friday, Oct. 3
Sisters in Spirit Walk
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (followed by lunch)
Meet at the grounds behind Colville House
LEARNING RESOURCESMount Allison University – Reflect & ShareWe would love to hear your reflections or experiences with any of the events or resources you engage with regarding National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This will be a wonderful way to see which resources people connected with, what was learned, and share with the rest of the MtA community (if you give permission). Add your reflection Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund – Four-Part Reconciliation Week SeriesDWF’s four-part Truth and Reconciliation Week video series highlights the 10th anniversary of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, exploring the journey from testimony to transformation through diverse Indigenous voices. Each video is approximately 10-15 min long, and begins at 3 p.m. (ADT) creating a wonderful opportunity to take a few moments from your day, to learn and reflect.
Tune in via the official DWF YouTube Channel.
Visit National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, which contains educational resources and related information. |
Questions? Email indigenous@mta.ca.
Indigenous Ceremonial Space
Various events and activities, including Sweat Lodge ceremonies, are held on sacred space on campus during the academic year and during special events. Located behind Colville House, the space includes a Sacred Sweat Lodge, tipi, and the Three Sisters Garden.
These spaces also serve as teaching and gathering spaces.
Other events recognized on campus annually include:
- Treaty Day
- National Orange Shirt Day
- Sisters in Spirit Vigil for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls
- National Indigenous Peoples Day
For the most up-to-date events and dates, visit our Calendar of events.
Questions? Email indigenous@mta.ca
